Longing, Belonging

Longing, Belonging: An Outsider at Home in Calcutta by Bishwanath Ghosh is a personal travelogue that explores Kolkata through the eyes of someone who has come to love the city as an outsider. Blending observation, travel writing and personal reflection, the book journeys through its well-known neighbourhoods and landmarks while introducing readers to the people who shape its character. It offers an engaging portrait of Kolkata's history, culture and everyday life from a fresh perspective.

As the author walks through streets, markets and cultural spaces, he pieces together an intimate understanding of the city. The result is a thoughtful narrative that captures both celebrated landmarks and lesser-known corners, revealing the many layers that make Kolkata distinctive.

About This Book

Bishwanath Ghosh travels across Kolkata, meeting people from different walks of life while exploring locations that reflect the city's diverse identity. His journey takes him along the Hooghly and through neighbourhoods including Park Street, College Street, Kalighat, Kumartuli, Sonagachhi and Salt Lake, each adding a different dimension to his experience of the city.

Rather than serving as a conventional guidebook, Longing, Belonging: An Outsider at Home in Calcutta combines personal experiences with observations about the city's people and places. Written with curiosity and wit, it presents Kolkata as a place best understood through its everyday rhythms, stories and communities.

What You'll Discover

• A personal travelogue exploring Kolkata from an outsider's perspective.
• Visits to landmarks including the Hooghly, Park Street and College Street.
• Observations on the lives of both well-known and ordinary residents.
• Insights into neighbourhoods such as Kalighat, Kumartuli, Sonagachhi and Salt Lake.
• Reflections on the culture, character and identity of Kolkata.
• A blend of travel writing, personal narrative and local exploration.

Perfect For

• Readers interested in travel writing.
• Those fascinated by Kolkata's culture and history.
• Fans of personal memoirs and narrative non-fiction.
• Readers exploring Indian cities through lived experiences.

Why You'll Love This Book

Longing, Belonging: An Outsider at Home in Calcutta offers a reflective and engaging portrait of Kolkata through personal exploration and keen observation. It provides readers with a nuanced appreciation of the city's people, neighbourhoods and enduring cultural richness.